Galectin-9 promotes TGF-β1-dependent induction of regulatory T cells via the TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway

Lv,Kun; Zhang,Yingying; Zhang,Mengying; Zhong,Min; Suo,Qifeng

doi:10.3892/mmr.2012.1125

Galectin-9 promotes TGF-β1-dependent induction of regulatory T cells via the TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway

Authors:
- Kun Lv
- Yingying Zhang
- Mengying Zhang
- Min Zhong
- Qifeng Suo
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Affiliations: Central Laboratory, Wannan Medical College, Wuhu 241001, P.R. China, Laboratory Medicine of Yijishan Hospital, Wannan Medical College, Wuhu 241001, P.R. China
Published online on: October 12, 2012 https://doi.org/10.3892/mmr.2012.1125
Pages: 205-210

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Abstract

TGF-β1 induces the conversion of CD4+CD25- T cells into CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ regulatory T cells (Tregs). Galectin-9, one of the β-galactoside-binding animal lectins belonging to the galectin family, induces apoptosis of eosinophils, cancer cells and T cells. In this study, we report the effects of galectin-9 on the conversion of CD4+CD25- T cells into Foxp3-expressing induced Tregs (iTregs). Galectin-9 together with TGF-β1 had synergistic effects on the rate of conversion to iTregs in vitro. TGF-β1 signaling appears to be essential for the effects of galectin-9 on the generation of iTregs, as galectin-9 promotes TGF-β1-induced phosphorylation of Smad2/3, ERK1/2 and formation of the Smad2/3-Smad4 complex. These data suggest a role for galectin-9 as a promoter of the TGF-β1-dependent conversion of CD4+CD25- T cells into iTregs in vitro. Therefore, in addition to inducing apoptosis, galectin-9 may contribute to the regulation of inflammation via the expansion of peripheral Tregs.

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